Should the airbag and horn fall off the steering wheel?

[bulwnkl]

I think the title pretty much sums it up. That module is loose on our 5. I can't say it has come completely off on its own yet, but it has flopped "open" and it's very easily removed from that point. This doesn't seem proper to me. Thoughts?

 

[jandree22]

Um, dealership? Seriously, if you have a choice, I would NOT drive the 5 if at all possible! Maybe even have it towed? Perhaps I'm overreacting(someone correct me if I am) but anything malfunctioning with the controlled explosion 12" in front of your face gives me the willies.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out. And btw, no, it's nowhere near 'proper'.

 

[bulwnkl]

Well, I was thinking along those lines myself. We're away for my work until the end of the week. There's no dealer within ~180 miles from here according to MazdaUSA.com so perhaps I'll call their roadside assistance number tomorrow. Thanks for the input.

 

[neoturner]

Is it just a matter of the two bolts behind the wheel that hold the cover being loose? Should be a quick fix.

 

[bulwnkl]

Neoturner, you were right. Those two bolts are completely missing. I'm home now so we'll talk to Mazda about it tomorrow.

 

[TheMAN]

:wtf:

 

[Kansei]

omg hahaha. Yeah call the Mazda dealership about it, I'm sure they'll be pretty shocked and either have some bolts or order some up and give you a loaner. That's really weird though. Has it gotten more loose progressively or did you just notice all of a sudden that it was loose.

 

[TheMAN]

if that thing went off, it could've killed you! talk about major lawsuit!

 

[bulwnkl]

Well, it's fixed now. The dealer thinks someone may have tried to steal the airbag because the loose bolt(s) were nowhere to be found. We have no other indications of uninvited entry into the car.

As to whether this was progressive or all of a sudden: There has always been a sort of click in the steering wheel/column at certain, non-specific times since we brought it home from the dealer. However, the airbag was definitely not completely loose/free when it was new. Recently (when I first posted here) we noticed it loose because the horn/airbag assembly pivoted away from the wheel when I was turning a corner and the steering wheel was "upside-down." It was repaired under warranty, but the service writer was concerned about possible foul play (attempted theft, etc.). We have never attempted to remove or otherwise "mess" with the wheel.

 

[Kansei]

glad they got it fixed up for you.. that's just so bizzare!

 

[Brian MP5T]

IMO They should fall off..

 

[neoturner]

IMO They should fall off..

good point. somebody has to die first.

 

[dommo_g]

if that thing went off, it could've killed you! talk about major lawsuit!

yeah....cause that's the whole point of airbags, to kill people.

 

[TheMAN]

hello and welcome to last year

 

[jandree22]

hello and welcome to last year

Cut him a break if you check out his other topic youd see that airbags just saved his life last night. No need for childish arguments over this.

 

[Kansei]

Cut him a break if you check out his other topic youd see that airbags just saved his life last night. No need for childish arguments over this.

glad to hear someone's airbag didn't fall off on them (boom06)

yikes

 

[TheMAN]

Cut him a break if you check out his other topic youd see that airbags just saved his life last night. No need for childish arguments over this.

that's nice... now, WHAT was my reply to the original poster about? yup, airbags CAN kill you if they're NOT in their proper location/operating as designed... and guess what is a dangling airbag with no bolts holding it down? a flying, EXPLODING projectile!

airbags save lives ONLY when it's all in its proper place as designed and when you're seated in a proper position WITH the seat belt on.

so in otherwords, dommo_g's reply is completely uncalled for (shows he didn't even read the thread) and this thread should be left alone to begin with